WHAT IS A WHOLE HOUSE (WHOLE HOUSE) FAN?
A whole house fan is a fan that is installed, typically in the center on the highest floor of the home, in the ceiling. The fan moved air up and out of the house through roof vents. In summer when temperatures are lowest either early morning or later in the evening after sundown, windows on the lowest level are opened. The whole house fan is activated and in a matter of minutes, hot stagnant air is replaced with fresh, cooler outdoor air.
Using a whole house fan can dramatically reduce the burden and expense of running an air conditioner. And for those without central air cooling, a whole house fan can dramatically improve comfort during hot summer months.
The fan can also be used to eliminate odors in the home any time of year.
WHAT IS A “TRADITIONAL” WHOLE HOUSE FAN?
Traditional whole house fans are typically fans with belt driven motor. They are installed into the attic floor with a shuttered grille facing down from the ceiling below that opens when the fan is activated and closes when it is turned off. Belt driven fans while quieter than earlier models can be loud during operation. Traditional whole house fans are available in different sizes with different size fan blades. The larger fans with more blades will more rapidly remove and replace ambient air in the home. Fan housing can range from 24 x 24-inch opening to a 48 x 48-inch opening and requires wood framing.
WHAT IS A QUIETCOOL FAN?
QuietCool is the patent holder for ducted whole house fans, otherwise known as advanced whole house fans. QuietCool whole house fans suspend the energy efficient motorhead 3 to 6 feet away from the ceiling grille with an acoustically lined duct that dampens the sound level. QuietCool uses an engineered aluminum fan blade that is carefully balanced to further reduce wind noise.
Damper System
QuietCool uses a unique barometric pressurized damper system above the grille that seals at an R5 value that prevents minimal heat and air transfer back into the home. Traditional whole house fans do not offer any insulating value so there is significant potential for energy waste even when the fan is off.
Ceiling Grille
Advanced whole house fans are more alethically pleasing than Traditional whole house fans. QuietCool ceiling grilles are much smaller ranging from 14 x 14 inches to 14 x 36 inches and use attractive white egg-crate style aluminum. Framing is rarely involved. They are also removable for easy cleaning which is not the case with more traditional whole house fans.
Cost
While traditional whole house fans tend to be more budget friendly, Quiet Cool advanced whole house fans pack several features that easily justify the added costs.
WHAT WHOLE HOUSE FAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
To select the right whole house fan for your home it is best to have an on-site attic assessment. At that time, technicians will consider the size of your home, your attic, your current attic air exhaust capacity, and other factors in order to present you with the right options and size for your home and budget. We offer FREE on-site assessments.
ATTIC AIR – SERVING CHICAGO & SUBURBS
We are Attic Air we offer a variety of energy savings services including insulation, attic ventilation, attic fans, bathroom exhaust fans, whole house fans and more. We are a certified Quietcool Contractor and offer Traditional Whole house fans as well. Call us to schedule your free attic assessment today at 630.830.3870